SC orders to appoint PTA Chairman in 15 days

Supreme Court of Pakistan has directed the government to appoint the members and chairman of Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) in the next 15 days while keeping in view the rules and regulations of the institution. Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhary also ordered that the auction of 3G license must be done 15 days after the appointment of members and chairman of PTA.
The chief justice said,

“The appointments should be made before proceeding with the 3G licence auction.”



While remarking on the auction of 3G license, he said it is the right of people of Pakistan to have an access to 3G technology and just because authority is not complete, telecommunication business is at standstill.

Three-member bench of the apex court headed by Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry conducted hearing of the case regarding auction of 3G technology license when the petitioner’s counsel Wakil Ali Raza told the court that the Lahore High Court already has issued an interim order in this case, issuing a direction to the PTA Chairman for transparent appointments on merit.

Chief Justice remarked that the institution is facing loss of billion of rupees due to its inactivity, criminal negligence and grey traffic. He contended that transparent auction is possible only when the PTA performs on sound footings.

It was also observed that 165 applications have already been received for the posts of members and Chairman PTA. After getting appointed, Chairman PTA must appear before the court and update on the status and future of 3G licensing in Pakistan, CJ ordered.

The case has been adjourned till 16th September, 2013.READ MORE